Skip to main content

Creamed Spinach

WHY IT’S LIGHT Our recipe for a hearty steakhouse side tweaks the formula for greater emphasis on the spinach and less on the “cream.” In fact, despite its name, there’s no cream in this dish. Instead, a mixture of flour and just one tablespoon of butter thickens a silky béchamel sauce.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 4

Ingredients

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 1/4 cups milk
1/4 cup water
2 pounds baby spinach

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Add flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring frequently, until mixture is pale golden and has a slightly nutty aroma, about 2 minutes.

    Step 2

    Whisking constantly, pour in milk; whisk until smooth. Cook mixture, stirring constantly and scraping bottom of pan, until boiling, about 3 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.

    Step 3

    Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, bring the water to a simmer; add salt. Add spinach; cover and cook until spinach wilts, about 3 minutes. Transfer spinach to a colander to drain, pressing out as much liquid as possible.

    Step 4

    In a large bowl, stir together spinach and warm sauce until spinach is completely coated. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

  2. nutrition information

    Step 5

    (Per Serving)

    Step 6

    Calories: 126

    Step 7

    Fat: 5.2g (3.1g Saturated Fat)

    Step 8

    Protein: 5.4g

    Step 9

    Carbohydrates: 17.5g

    Step 10

    Fiber: 5.4g

Everyday Food: Light
Read More
Like “absolutely decadent” chocolate pudding and fattoush salad.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Like spicy carrot rigatoni and weeknight-fancy ravioli with peas.
For Derby Day indulgence or a post-Thanksgiving lunch, this Kentucky favorite can’t be beat.
A flurry of fresh tarragon makes this speedy weeknight dish of seared cod and luscious, sun-colored pan sauce feel restaurant worthy.
Like lemony risotto and tandoori-style cauliflower.